PRIVACY NOTICE
About Us
Connect IFA Ltd is committed to safeguarding the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information. We take our data protection responsibilities seriously and operate in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act.
We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under reference number 441505 to advise on and arrange regulated financial products. All personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.
Information We Collect Through Our Website
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain usage information. This may include details such as the date and time of your visit, the pages you view, and your navigation path.
When you provide personal information, we may combine it with website usage data to better understand visitor behaviour and improve our services. Aggregated data may also be used for statistical analysis, including website performance reviews and marketing effectiveness assessments.
We may collect IP addresses to analyse trends, monitor traffic patterns, and gather high-level demographic insights for internal purposes only.
If you interact with us via our website and submit personal data, we will treat this as consent to contact you in line with the purpose stated at the point of data collection.
Cookies
Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality and user experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites recognise returning users and remember preferences. They do not harm your device.
You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, including choosing to accept, reject, or receive notifications when cookies are used. All cookies deployed by this website comply with current UK and EU cookie regulations.
Types of Cookies Used
Essential cookies
These are necessary for the website’s operation, such as enabling access to secure areas.
Analytics cookies
We use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our website. This data helps us measure usage, identify popular content, and improve site navigation. Information collected does not personally identify you.
Links to Other Websites
Our website may include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of external sites. We recommend reviewing the privacy notices of any third-party websites you visit.
Information We Collect When You Enquire About Our Services
As part of providing mortgage and insurance advice, we collect information necessary to understand your circumstances and recommend suitable products. This process is commonly referred to as fact-finding.
Information may be collected via telephone, email, or post and will be checked with you to ensure accuracy.
The types of information we may collect include:
Personal and contact details
Employment and income information
Expenditure and financial commitments
Credit history
Mortgage and insurance needs
Existing financial products
Solicitor or accountant details where relevant
Bank details for application purposes
Where required to arrange a product, we may also collect special category data, such as medical information or criminal conviction details, strictly in line with regulatory requirements.
Information Received From Third-Party Lead Providers
From time to time, we may receive your contact details from a third-party lead provider, such as Lead Cloud, where you have shown interest in our services. We require such providers to confirm that you have given consent to share your details and that you would reasonably expect to be contacted by a firm like ours.
Information From Other Sources
We may obtain information from publicly available sources or verification services to confirm your identity or validate the accuracy of information you have provided.
How We Use Your Information
Your data is used only in ways you would reasonably expect and includes:
Researching suitable mortgage or insurance products based on your circumstances
Providing personalised quotations or illustrations
Answering questions and supporting you throughout the decision-making process
Submitting applications to lenders or insurers with your agreement
Liaising with third parties such as lenders, insurers, solicitors, or accountants
Reviewing your arrangements at renewal or when circumstances change
Handling complaints or service issues
Keeping records in line with regulatory requirements
We may also contact you with information about products or services that may be relevant to you. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time.
Telephone calls may be recorded for training, monitoring, and complaint-handling purposes. You will be informed if a call is recorded.
Lawful Basis for Processing
We process personal data primarily under the lawful basis of legitimate interests, as this allows us to meet our regulatory obligations and deliver appropriate advice and services. Where consent is required, this will be obtained separately.
Who We Share Your Information With
Your information may be shared with:
Lenders or insurers to arrange products
Solicitors or accountants where necessary
Introducing parties such as estate agents or developers, where applicable and agreed
Regulatory bodies or fraud prevention agencies where legally required
We do not sell or share personal data for third-party marketing purposes.
Data Security
All personal information is stored securely, whether in electronic or paper format. We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Personal data is not stored outside the European Economic Area.
Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary. Where a policy has been arranged, records are typically retained for a minimum of six years in line with FCA requirements. If longer retention is required, you will be informed.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Be informed about how your data is used
Access your personal data
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Request erasure where appropriate
Restrict processing in certain circumstances
Object to data processing
Understand how automated decisions would apply
We do not use automated decision-making or profiling.
Marketing Preferences
Consent for marketing is always obtained explicitly. We do not use pre-selected opt-ins. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Customers: We may ask to stay in touch after services conclude
Potential customers: We may request permission to keep you informed
Non-customers: We will only contact you with prior consent
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your data has been handled, please contact us directly. If your concerns remain unresolved, you may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.
We retain complaint records for two years after closure, or six years if linked to regulated advice.
Updates to This Notice
This Privacy Notice is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated clearly.
Contact Details
Connect IFA Ltd
Compliance Department
39 Station Lane
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 6JL
Telephone: 01708 676110
Email: compliance@connectmortgages.co.uk